The historic puzzle about England has always been how insipid and ponderous their play always seemed to be, compared to the hustle and bustle of the Premier League .

But this week against Poland, in clinching World Cup qualification , a change. We saw England players harnessing all that is effective and enjoyable to watch in our domestic game: pace, intensity, direct wing play, an overlapping left back, 40 crosses and 17 corners, good delivery into danger areas.

We aren't Spain, or Italy, so let's not try to pretend we are.

We should be, I'd argue, closest to Germany's attitude and style. While Germany are better for now, England showed they can produce something similar on Wednesday, and now have a template, post-Poland, to work around.

The mystery of football, that no FA Commission will ever formalise, is how Andros Townsend can be loaned to nine clubs, almost be sold on the cheap in the summer, make four Premier League performances for Spurs , and emerge as a refreshing new World Cup star for Roy Hodgson .

For such an inexperience winger, he set the tempo. His have-a-go, no fear, direct play spread a belief through England. Are there more gems who we could gamble on, instead of stale squad players who offer safety over style?

Leighton Baines has surely edged out Ashley Cole from the England starting line up? Another sign that a clear head and a fresh start in a position can reap rewards.

Wayne Rooney is edging back to his raging bull-like best, Steven Gerard looking an assured leader who doesn't get carried away, and Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck can also make a big impact.

The lesson for Hodgson is to model England on our domestic strengths. Let players do the same jobs for England that they do for their clubs. Play with the same passion, speed, expression and aggression for England as they do for Spurs, Manchester United or Everton.

Perhaps that is why, for the first time in years, England players walked of the Wembley turf with beaming smiles on their faces.

They'd enjoyed themselves, and so did we.

Newcastle v Liverpool Sat 12.45pm

(Image: John Powell)

Liverpool trounced Newcastle 6-0 in this fixture in April. Alan Pardew's side were bereft, and his job was on the line. A repeat is unlikely. The Magpies are fresh from an away win at Cardiff, and but have worries over the fitness of Fabricio Coloccini.

There is however a weakness in defence at Newcastle, with some players liable to be pulled out of position. You can imagine Luis Suarez cashing in.

Prediction: Newcastle 0-1 Liverpool

Arsenal v Norwich Sat 3pm

Jack Wilshere has a fight on his hands now to win a starting at the World Cup. It is one he could, and should, win, with Arsenal reaping the rewards this season.

Chris Hughton needs to get more from his summer signings to prosper. They could be sucked into a prolonged relegation fight.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Norwich

Chelsea v Cardiff Sat 3pm

Malky Mackay emerged from a five hour board meeting still in a job this week. He has lost his head of recruitment Iain Moody, but owner Tan Sri has assured Mackay he can still have the final say on transfers.

That may have calmed the waters for now, but trouble is brewing, and Cardiff need a united front on the pitch to stay in the league.

Possibly a good time for Chelsea to meet Cardiff and reinforce their challenge at the top.

Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Cardiff

Everton v Hull Sat 3pm

He has been unfussy and solid for his nation of late, and is growing into the role alongside Gary Cahill. Everton have a great run of games ahead which could see Roberto Martinez guide his team towards the top four.

But Hull can never be written off and are getting points on the board early, which bodes well.

Prediction: Everton 2-0 Hull

Man Utd v Southampton Sat 3pm

(Image: Michael Regan)

The league table makes uncomfortable reading for David Moyes - United are six points off pace setters Liverpool already. But look more carefully, and they are only three behind main title rivals Manchester City, and one behind Chelsea.

No one, apart from their most loyal fans, expects Liverpool to win the title, nor Arsenal, so United are not as far adrift as it seems. It will be tense at the top this season with five clubs challenging to depose United.

Southampton won't be one of them, but they are flying so high, why not a top six or seven finish?

Prediction: Man Utd 1-0 Southampton

Stoke v West Brom Sat 3pm

Mark Hughes' men have lost three in a row in the league and this game is key to maintain belief in his cajoling of Stoke into a new style of football.

West Brom are on the up, having beaten Manchester United and draw against Arsenal in their last two games.

Prediction: Stoke 1-1 West Brom

Swansea v Sunderland Sat 3pm

Can Guy Poyet work a miracle? Much of what Paolo Di Canio said needed changing at Sunderland, he was right about. It was his hard-line methods that ensured no one executed his ideas.

Poyet needs a more subtle touch, and he will initially try to bank up Sunderland into a more solid defensive unit. Sunderland need to make a move soon, and win a game, to foster hope.

Prediction: Swansea City 0-0 Sunderland

West Ham v Man City Sat 5.30pm

(Image: Getty Images)

Ravel Morrison scored a fantastic goal against Spurs last time out, but the proof of his undoubted talent will come in the next few months. Can he sustain a high level of performance? Will fleeting success go to his head and bring out the bad attitude that ruined his time at Manchester United? And what about his bust up on the pitch with Wilfred Zaha for England U21s? The jury remains out.

The potential absence of Vincent Kompany for a few games after another injury, if a blow to City, during a key time, including Champions' League and cup games ahead.

Prediction: West Ham 0-2 Man City

Aston Villa v Tottenham Sun 4pm

The spotlight will now be on Andros Townsend. He won't produce heroics every game, and will now be a marked man. His great challenge will be how to overcome the extra exposure and interest. Taking a step from rookie surprise package to leading light will take resolve.

Andre Villas Boas will be careful not to overuse his winger. Is this a game to stick him on the bench, or ride his new confidence?

Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Tottenham

Crystal Palace v Fulham Mon 8pm

Second bottom versus fourth bottom, and loser beware. Martin Jol's side may well have saved his job by beating Stoke two weeks ago, but a sustained climb is needed to ward off the threat of the sack.

Palace are not surprisingly finding it difficult back in the big time, and can't really hope to climb much higher than they are now, can they?